Review: Ursula 1000 - The Glass Dragon (Insect Queen Music)

Remember when DnB was fun?

Ursula 1000 does and is bringing the vibe back! Mainly known for his loungy/future-retro vibes these days, he’s going back to his roots as an early 90s junglist. Breaks mixed in with the DnB stepper beat and a “Tough at the Top”-style double bass handle the aforementioned drum and bass parts. In addition he’s sprinkled in some ragga plus Kung-Fu elements to keep it fun--along with being groovy.

The single is the first release of 2023 on his Insect Queen imprint and has an instrumental included. Production is top-notch, the cover art is on-point, the only thing missing is an explanation of who or what the Glass Dragon is… But that’s for you to figure out. I can’t tell you—I don’t know! Another dance music mystery for us to puzzle over.

8DPromo · Ursula 1000 - The Glass Dragon (Insect Queen Music)

Artist: Ursula 1000
Title: The Glass Dragon
Release date: March 3, 2023
Label: Insect Queen Music
Catalog Number: IQ040


 

Review: Lay-Far - How I Communicate (Local Talk)

It’s always a pleasure to see a favourite underground record label evolve from releasing the odd 12” or EP to becoming a fully-fledged ‘grown up’ imprint releasing artist albums. Sweden’s Local Talk is one such label, gaining an international following for its off-kilter releases from Kyodai, HNNY, Fred Everything and others. I’m glad to say they’ve extended their distinctive music policy to their first few long players too.

‘How I Communicate’ is the second album from Moskow’s Lay-Far, an artist who’s been heavily hyped by those in the know over the last couple of years. For once, the hype is entirely justified. Critics and stores will probably put this record on the same shelf with the likes of Todd Terje, Crazy P and other ‘disco crossover’ acts, but although there are undeniable similarities, I’d argue that this record is subtly and essentially different. Why? Because Lay-Far isn’t pulling any creative punches. While the other two acts mentioned have a tendency toward the saccharine which makes them the dance music equivalent of ‘gateway drugs’, Lay-Far has struck a near-perfect balance between accessibility and authenticity.

From the warm, string-laden musical hug of ‘Like The First Time’ which opens the record, through the jazzy broken-beat / House crossover ‘Slope’ featuring Ashley Beedle, to the low slung deepness of ‘Submerging’, this album really has breadth. Supplying enough melody and variation to (hopefully) please a more mainstream audience, whilst retaining enough repetition and groove to satisfy the heads, Lay-Far’s balanced and elegant offering should serve as a lesson to us all on the difficult craft of album-making.

'How I Communicate' is out now, so go get it.

Review: Inkswel - Super Foods Vol. 3 (BBE Music)

The final installment in prolific Australian producer Inkswel's 'Super Foods' album series, this LP features exclusive remixes of the tracks from the previous two records, as well as exclusive new material. Simple, soulful music over crunchy, chunky beats define Inkswel's sound; a sound which is swiftly earning him fans from across the musical spectrum.

Highlights for us have to be the brilliant Kid Sublime remix of 'Flashing Lights' and the head-nodding 'Applause' which features creative NY hip hoppers Scienz Of Life.

As the label put it: "Sitting somewhere between deep house, boogie, soul and electronica, Superfoods Vol.3 takes the listener on a mouth-watering journey from head-nod to dance-floor and back again, all cooked up expertly by your Chef Du Party, Inkswel."

Super Foods Vol. 3 is out now via iTunes

Review: Robot Love - Senadee (Black Hole Recordings)

Sena "Senadee" Verdi returns with what could be one of his biggest tracks to date - and this is clearly the thoughts of one of the most prolific independent labels out there. Black Hole Recordings have this week released a superbly remixed version of his latest production"Robot Love". Founded in 1997 by Tiesto and Arny Bink, the label has been home to some of the biggest names in dance music over the years. Artists past and present include music royalty such as Ferry Corsten, Armin Van Buuren, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Andain, BT and Deadmaus to name just a few.

Identifying pure talent seems to be an ongoing trait for a label who's mission statement is "Captivate, Communicate and Celebrate" and this is no exception to the rule. Senadee has been prolific as a singer, song writer and multi-instrumentalist over the last ten years, which has seen him collaborate with the likes of John Askew, BT and Chicane. And it's not hard to see why. His lyrics are absorbing and endlessly threaten to open the doors to his inner most feelings. His voice is filled with raw emotion, and is more reminiscent of his indie/rock routes than the normal clear tones that are more often associated with dance music.

The Original Mix is an upbeat dance floor filler, permeated with catchy beats and a heavy 80's influenced, top line synth melody, which is offset by the huskiness of the vocals. This is further expertly padded out for the extended mix.

Swedish Grammy and Brit nominated producer Zoo Brazil's take on Robot Love, is a deeper, more haunting vision, fusing together woodblock, pipes and bass guitar undertones. The addition of echo and loops adds further mystique, while the distortion creates a feeling of foreboding.

Picking up the pace is Discover Records A&R Man, Lostly - who's production skills and remix expertise are gaining him Worldwide recognition from the likes of Armin Van Buuren, Aly and Fila and Indecent Noise. South Africa's premier dance music producer gives the track a 140 bpm facelift, using his signature synth accents - injecting an energy which will undoubtedly get this track airplay on the likes of ASOT and FSOE.

A further remix from Discover Records Peter Hulsmans, aptly entitled "Android Excursion" adds simple piano riffs and drifting synths, which enhance Sena's mode of expression, resulting in a beautifully uplifting trance classic.

With a World Premier of the video scheduled to air on VEVO on Thursday 30th October, and full release on Monday 10th November, this track will leave you in no doubt as to the calibre of the artists debut album, which is due out in 2015.

Tracklist:01: Senadee – Robot Love (Original Mix)02: Senadee – Robot Love (Extended Mix)03: Senadee – Robot Love (Zoo Brazil Remix)04: Senadee – Robot Love (Lostly Remix)05: Senadee – Robot Love (Peter Hulsmans Android Excursion)

Robot Love - Zoo Brazil Remix out now on Beatport
Robot Love  - Zoo Brazil Remix Video